Acne will eventually diminish but not the acne scars. They are a bit tougher to remove, however there are ways to remove these unpleasant scars.
Acne scars are created when skin tissue is damaged. Doing things like picking at and popping pimples can damage your skin and cause scarring. But even if you are careful with your skin, scars can still develop. Severe blemishes are more likely to scar. Some people are just very prone to scarring with even minor blemishes leaving scars. There are few options to consider:
Medical Grade Peel
It is used to improve the appearance of the skin. It is an effective treatment to improve several skin conditions and issues including acne, uneven skin texture, uneven tone, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, sagging skin, age and sunspots, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation. The side effects could be Redness, scabbing and swelling.
Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids only work on dark marks. Pitted or depressed scars need more than just topical creams. The side effects are Dryness and irritation, Skin color changes, Sensitivity to sunlight, Redness, swelling, crusting, or blistering.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments come in two forms: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers resurface the skin by removing outer layers. Non-ablative lasers create changes in the dermis without causing damage to the skin’s surface. The most common ablative lasers used to treat acne scars are the carbon dioxide, Picoway and erbium-YAG lasers. These lasers burn skin tissue in a controlled manner to a specific depth. The usual result is that “new” skin is smoother, atrophic scars are reduced in-depth, and the overall look of scarring is softened. Non-ablative lasers tighten the skin and stimulate new collagen formation. They can be done quickly with no down time. The side effects could be hypopigmentation, or the loss of skin color, is a possible side effect of laser treatment, especially in darker skin tones. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you are a good candidate for laser treatment.
Punch Techniques
Punch techniques including punch excision, punch elevation, and punch grafting are used to treat ice pick scars and other depressed scars. A small punch tool, which is often described as a tiny, circular cookie cutter, is used to cut the scar from the skin. After the scar is excised, the skin is sutured closed. The side effects are bleeding or bruising, tenderness, pain, infection, problems with the wound healing.
Subcutaneous Incision
It is used to treat rolling acne scars, as well as some depressed acne scars. It is a simple surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. A needle or small scalpel is inserted to run parallel to the skin’s surface. The instrument cuts the bands of tissue that tether the skin to deeper structures. It is painful, invasive, costly, and potential future skin condition.
Microdermabrasion
It is performed under local anesthesia. A rapidly rotating wire brush abrades the top layers of the skin. After healing, the look of scars has softened, and pitted scars are reduced in depth. The side effects are Uneven changes in skin color (temporary or permanent), Formation of a scar, Swelling, Infection, darkening of the skin (usually temporary but may be permanent); this is caused by sun exposure in the days and months following the procedure.
Dermal Fillers
Another treatment option for depressed acne scars is the use of dermal fillers. A filler substance is injected into the acne scar, elevating the base of the scar so it is more even with the skin’s surface. Results are not permanent, so treatment will need to be repeated after few months
Steroid Treatments
Steroid treatments are often used for raised hypertrophic and keloid scars. Steroids may be injected directly into the scar tissue, causing the tissue to shrink or flatten, softening the scar tissue and improving the overall appearance. It is painful, causes swelling with potential skin discoloration.
Conclusion
It’s important to be realistic and understand that most scars can’t be completely erased. But much improvement can be achieved with the right treatment or combination of treatments. After treating thousands of patients, we have developed a protocol to treat both acne and acne scars that are effective. During the initial consultation, we can examine the condition and customize a package for you. Click here to make your initial appointment >>>
